Sport enables people to overcome limits. And extraordinary Paralimpics athletes, perfectly in tune at these Games, further shown how much is important, in sport as in life, to face situations and new challenges with vigor, determination and smile. These athletes went beyond limits and barriers that society imposes, head-on, keeping their national pride!

The equestrian sports of this 15th edition of the Paralympic Games were ruled mostly exclusively by Europeans, with 31 of the 33 medals won by eight different Countries of the Old Continent and the other two medals (both bronze medals) won by Brazil, the host Country of the Games.

Very good results for the English athletes with three gold medals. Hard work and good placements also for Italy, although none of the Azzurri gained the finals of Para-Equestrian Dressage, with great disappointment of the world champion Sara Morganti, who couldn’t take part at the Ranking 1a races because her horse, Royal Delight, failed the veterinary visits. Silvia Veratti riding Zadok was our best, 68% for an 8th placement in the Team Test - Grade II, following Francesca Salvadè riding Muggel 4 ended 10th with 67.343, and finally, 15th place for the third Italian in competition in Rio, Luigi Ferdinando Acerbi riding Quasimodo di San Patrignano with a score of 67.826 in the Individual Test - Grade 1a. In the team race, due to the forfeiture of Sara Morganti, Italy was classified 11th with a score of 411,669, because they couldn’t eliminate her worst score.

“I would like to thank my family, my friend and my team for coming with me in Rio, for trusting me - said Sara Morganti - for their support and their standing. You are my strength. I'm so sorry it came out this way. I tried hard, but luck wasn’t on our side”.